Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:51 AM AWST

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Handle horses safely

Handle horses safely

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQU212
State Code
ODV44
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/02/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/05/2022
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
25/05/2022
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, safely catch, control, handle and release calm, consistent and obedient horses educated for the relevant activity. It covers knowledge of potential risks when handling horses to support the welfare and safety of the individual, other workers and the horse.This unit applies to workers who undertake routine work under supervision and apply knowledge and judgement to solve predictable issues when handling horses. Work environments may include stables, paddocks, yards, tracks, work arenas and other exercise areas. Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to interacting with horses apply to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and jurisdictions.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, except for the racing industry, where requirements vary between states and territories. Users working in the racing industry are advised to contact the relevant Principal Racing Authority for advice on current requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify horses and their typical behaviour
  • 1.1 Distinguish horses by their features
  • 1.2 Identify horse behaviour related to the natural instincts, sensory perceptions and social behaviour of horses
  • 1.3 Identify and interpret common horse body language
  • 1.4 Identify how horse behaviour is affected by human behaviour
  • 1.5 Identify environmental factors that may affect horse behaviour
2. Identify and control personal risks when handling horses
  • 2.1 Identify horse and known temperament, behaviour and level of education of horse prior to handling
  • 2.2 Check and confirm suitability of horse against own handling ability, and required activities
  • 2.3 Identify hazards, and assess and control and/or report risks related to handling horse
  • 2.4 Use appropriate personal behaviour and body language when handling horse
3. Safely catch, lead, secure and release horse
  • 3.1 Select and fit personal protective equipment (PPE) according to workplace procedures
  • 3.2 Locate horse and observe horse body language and behaviour before approaching
  • 3.3 Select appropriate horse gear for handling horse safely
  • 3.4 Catch horse using halter, and lead, tie up and release horse using safe and low stress handling techniques
  • 3.5 Lead horse through gateways and narrow openings, and among other horses and people
  • 3.6 Catch, lead and release a horse within a group of horses
  • 3.7 Apply suitable horse restraint techniques and/or equipment to secure and control horse for proposed activity
  • 3.8 Lift fore and hind limbs and check horse's hooves
4. Respond to immediate safety risks
  • 4.1 Monitor horse behaviour during all handling activities, and respond to situations and hazards that arise to avoid injury to self, others and horse
  • 4.2 Use safe and low stress handling techniques to control or minimise risks to horse and handler
  • 4.3 Report and seek assistance from supervisor on incidents and/or risks beyond level of own responsibility
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE58 ACMEQU205 Apply knowledge of horse behaviour Unit of competency
BBE65 ACMEQU202 Handle horses safely Unit of competency